Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri stated in Parliament that India is the only country where petrol and diesel prices have reduced over a three-year period. This was made possible due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to cut central excise duties on two occasions—November 2021 and May 2022. BJP-ruled states passed on these benefits to the public by reducing VAT, ensuring lower fuel costs.
However, opposition-led states, despite their loud criticism of fuel prices, increased levies and even raised the price of essential goods like milk. Meanwhile, India’s petrol and diesel prices remain 15-25% lower than neighboring countries and many other global markets. Hardeep Singh Puri emphasized that this reflects the Modi government’s commitment to economic relief and public welfare, while the opposition continues to burden citizens with higher taxes.